Washington State Labor Council Convention Passes Resolution in Support of Native American Workers and Council FIRE

The Washington State Labor Council unanimously passed a resolution in support of Council FIRE and Native American Workers. This is a strong step toward a voice for Native issues within the labor movement, and for Council FIRE to achieve full recognition by the AFL-CIO.

Special appreciation to Jon Holden, Directing Business Representative and President of IAM District 751, District 751 Leg / Pol Director Larry Brown, IAM Local 751A President Jason Chan, and the entire delegation of the Washington State Labor Council convention.

Here is the resolution as passed at the WSLC convention:

IN SUPPORT OF COUNCIL FIRE AND SOLIDARITY WITH NATIVE AMERICAN WORKERS

Resolution #9

WHEREAS, the Native American population has a long and proud history of caring for their elders, women, children, tradition, and environment; and

WHEREAS, the original inhabitants of these lands have long suffered as the result of policies created too often without their leadership and they continue to lag behind in many benefits and advancements that are too slow in becoming available to Native American populations, and

WHEREAS, Native American tribes have a centuries-old kinship with the indigenous peoples of all North, Central, and South American countries, as they share the same lands for many generations before they were subjected to the practices of genocide and bounties, and

WHEREAS, Native Americans have the right to protect their traditions and histories, as well as to fully participate in the arena of jobs, healthcare, education, and in building a bright future together with all people who share this land today; and

WHEREAS, all peoples of this earth are deserving of respect and support; and

WHEREAS, there are a number of constituency groups providing a bridge to diverse communities, strengthening partnerships to enhance the standard of living for all workers and their families, and ensuring that organized labor hears and responds to the concerns of the communities represented; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council proclaims solidarity with the Indigenous Peoples, the original occupants of the Americas; and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council supports Council FIRE (First Inhabitants Rights and Equality) as it works to take its rightful place as an official AFL-CIO constituency group; and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council supports Council FIRE as the organization works toward addressing Native American labor and human rights issues; and be it finally

RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council supports inclusion of Council FIRE as an official AFL-CIO constituency group.